While humans indulge in a little festive frivolity, Christmas can be a dangerous time for pets, with tempting but potentially poisonous treats adorning every open surface – meaning a third of pet owners will experience an emergency this festive season.

Vets Now, the UK's out-of-hours pet emergency service, sees a 788 per cent increase in chocolate poisoning cases over Christmas Day and Boxing Day alone, and new research shows that while most dog owners (93 per cent) are aware chocolate is poisonous, 32 per cent of pets have still been at risk after eating some. And it's not just chocolate that's cause for concern: dozens of foods like macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins are also dangerous for dogs, too.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

As nine in 10 poisonings happen in the owner's home, and a shocking 5.5 million dog owners unknowingly feed their pets these harmful foods at Christmas, Vets Now have put together a helpful list of hazards all owners need to be aware of, to help you avoid any animal-related accidents this festive season:

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, a bit like caffeine, which, while tasty, is severely poisonous to cats and dogs.

All grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are toxic to dogs; as are foods that contain them – which means no mince pies for your pooch, we're afraid.

Photographs by Laura Edwards

3. Blue Cheese

While delicious to us, blue cheese contains a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs are extremely sensitive to.

GettyTim Macpherson

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4. Tinsel

While it might look like a lot of fun to play with, tinsel can cause dangerous blockages in an animal's stomach.

John Lewis

5. Macadamia nuts

Often lurking in biscuits or eaten as a decadent Christmas snack, these nuts cause severe illness in dogs.

GettySuphawinee Boonpeng / EyeEm

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

6. Garlic, chives and onion

Found in many festive foods like gravy, stuffing and sausages, all Allium species are poisonous to dogs.

Getty

Most Popular

7. Snow Globes

Imported versions can contain antifreeze – as little as one tablespoon can be fatal for a cat.

GettyLiam Norris

8. Candles

They may create a cosy atmosphere, but candle flames can burn paws and the curious noses of furry friends. There's also risk of them falling over when brushed against.

GettyThomasVogel

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9. Fairy Lights

Cats are curious and will try to chew on anything, including fairy lights – which can burn and even electrocute them.

GettyAshish Kumar / EyeEm

10. Alcohol

Alcohol can cause severe liver and brain damage in animals. As little as a tablespoon can lead to problems for your cat or dog.

Other hazards to be aware of include:

•Salt dough ornaments – the mix of flour and salt with water can cause a potentially fatal salt toxicosis.

•Christmas foliage like poinsettia, mistletoe and ivy– all of which are mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

•Wrapping paper – eating a large amount of paper could cause an obstruction in the stomach.

•Lilies –those from the Lilium or Hemerocallis species are very dangerous for cats. Eating just two or three leaves, or even drinking water from a vase containing them can be potentially fatal.

If your pet has eaten anything potentially harmful, you should call your vet for advice. Many local vet practices choose to close over the Christmas period so it's essential you're aware of your local out-of-hours emergency vet.